Named after the 19th-century neoclassical church, Notre-Dame du Mont was once a place where sailors who survived shipwrecks and storms would give thanks. Now, locals and visitors make pilgrimages to this lively quarter for its restaurants, indie shops, and street art. Named by Time Out as one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world in 2024, Notre-Dame du Mont has retained its laid-back charm while continuing to grow, spreading southwards along Rue de Lodi. Since December 2025, the church's parvis has been pedestrianized, returning the quarter to its village-like atmosphere, best enjoyed on many tree-lined terraces.
The quarter reflects Marseille's thriving culinary scene: diverse, welcoming, and amplified by young chefs like Scott Megan Moore, who serves comforting dishes with a weighty culinary background in the Bonbons. His playlists and live jazz nights echo the vintage vibe of this former watering hole. For Mediterranean flavors, enjoy small plates and natural wines at Nabu & Jéro wine bar.
For a quick bite (sur le pouce), check out the massive sandwiches at Razzia, which can be enjoyed in their courtyard as the sun sets. Down the street at Durma, Sofia Benoumane has traded her chef's whites for Levantine wraps filled with the juiciest meats, so good that the tiny eatery is praised by the French gastronomic guide Gault & Millau.
Ferments, an eco-friendly bakery, creates baked goods in small batches with coffee. For a taste of Marseille's signature dish, order a wood-baked moitchié-moitchié (half anchovy, half emmental) at La Bella Pizza. Alternatively, follow the scent of freshly baked crust to Chez Papa's pizza truck at the entrance of the Notre-Dame du Mont metro station.
Food is also on the menu in many stores in Notre-Dame du Mont. The wooden shelves at Provisions are stocked with a range of food, wine, and cookbooks, including small quantities in English. Stay for a cozy lunch in the store. The fragrant tea library of Lauren Millet is filled with over 200 varieties, and luckily, the expert staff can help you choose.
Mo:stera Concept Store caters to many interests - coffee, plants, and books, with a leaning towards manga and graphic novels. A pioneer of the neighborhood, the vintage clothing store Out of Space is filled with retro finds for men and women. Digitale Pourpre sells a well-curated selection of clothing by independent designers, while Digger Club has a quirky mix of vintage finds.
Zones is a gallery showcasing photographers from the city and region, and the owner, Alice Duchesne, makes photography "more accessible" by selling affordable prints. La Baleine shows arthouse films in its intimate 88-seat cinema plus restaurant.
La Cave à Vinyle is a bar with the feel of a friend's living room obsessed with music and wine; taste natural, biodynamically grown bottles to an eclectic soundtrack, from French crooner Jacques Dutronc to West African fusion with the Rail Band.
On Rue de Village and Rue de Lodi, marvel at the views of Marseille's most famous monument - and highest point - La Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. Take a stroll around the surrounding area, Cours Julien, for an urban candy for the eyes. All the facades are painted with colorful street art, including constantly changing staircases leading down to Cours Lieutaud.
Live like a local in the modern rooms with kitchenettes at Maison Juste (from €90 per night). The sibling property Grand Juste is a former monastery with 50 rooms (basic for up to six people) and a sunny garden (from €93 per night).
